INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: UFC CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 311 presser … [+]
It’s finally official: Alex Pereira will defend his title against the no. 1 in lightweight, Magomed Ankalaev. The highly anticipated clash will headline UFC 313 on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, Justin Gaethje returns to face Dan Hooker in an important welterweight fight that looks to be an all-out brawl.
The UFC made the matches official on social networks:
Ankalaev is the most deserving challenger for Pereira. The 32-year-old Russian is on a 13-fight unbeaten streak and is ranked No. 1 in the heavyweight division.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 26: Russia’s Magomed Ankalaev prepares to face Aleksandar … [+]
Most recently, Ankalaev took a unanimous decision over Aleksandr Rakic in October 2024 to close that opportunity. When it comes to competing in the light heavyweight division, Ankalaev has already defeated six fighters who were ranked at the time of the fight.
Stylistically, Ankalaev presents a unique challenge for Pereira. The challenger’s ability to throw a heavy wrestling attack against the champion could present a problem for Pereira—a natural kickboxer.
Pereira has apparently worked feverishly to close the gap in that area of his game. If Ankalaev chooses to fight, we’ll find out how far Pereira’s wrestling and defense has gone.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts to beating Jamahal Hill in their light … [+]
Pereira has had 10 fights in the UFC, and he is 9-1. He has already won a two-division championship and scored a fourth-round KO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. in October 2024 in his last fight.
Poatan has become one of the UFC’s biggest stars and every event he headlines feels special. That said, the common event has the potential to be special as well.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JULY 29: Justin Gaethje celebrates his KO victory over Dustin Poirier in a … [+]
Gaethje has not fought since being knocked out cold at UFC 300 by Max Holloway in April 2024. He is known for his all-action style and most expect to see him personified against Hooker.
After enduring a rough five-game stretch that saw him go 1-4, Hooker has rebounded with three straight wins. Most recently, Hooker picked up a split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot in August 2024.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: New Zealand’s Dan Hooker reacts after his win against Mateusz … [+]
There were rumors that Hooker would face Conor McGregor at some point in 2025, but like almost every rumor regarding the latter, nothing materialized. The Gaethje fight is a great fight and could push Hooker into a title fight if he wins.
As of Jan. 20, here’s a look at the confirmed card for UFC 313:
- Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – UFC Lightweight Championship (205 lbs)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker – Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo – Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Bruno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Ozzy Diaz vs. Djorden Santos – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal – Lightweight (170 lbs)
- Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van – Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Chris Gutierrez vs Jean Matsumoto – bantamweight (135 lbs)
A heavyweight bout between Jhonata Diniz and Victor Petrino was scheduled, but the latter pulled out due to an injury, according to AgFight.
The fight is expected to be rescheduled later.
